The 23-year-old was one of two people who had to be cut free from their vehicles by firefighters after the collision on the A66, near Penrith, this morning.
Police said the man, who was driving a Vauxhall Vivaro van and is from Alfreton, Derbyshire, was flown by air ambulance from the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle - and was in a “critical condition”.
The driver of a lorry, a 50-year-old man from Alvaston, Derby, sustained chest injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.
He was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary.
Police, fire and ambulance were all called to the scene, on the eastbound carriageway near Brougham at about 6.10am.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to contact police on 101 and ask to speak to PC Euan Stitt of the force’s mobile support group.
The A66 was closed in both directions from the Kemplay roundabout to Cliburn Road until about midday while police carried out investigation work and the vehicles were recovered.
Motorists experienced delays and were asked to use the A685 as a diversion with lorries and other large goods vehicles asked to use the A65 or A69.
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